Common Sense- RH 2019

IMPORTANT points made by Paine to argue for the success of independence- Open and determined declaration and argument for independence

1. Colonies are still small so this is the best time to push for independence before the populations grow and become more occupied with trade and business and not want to venture out and pursue independence. 2. For Defense and prosperity in trade America already has the capability to build a Navy comparable to the size of Britains Navy. 3. There is vast expanses of land to the west that could be used to pay down debt incurred 4. Being connected to England, America will always be seen as rebels and will not be able to form alliances with other foreign nations. America cannot rely on France or Spain for assistance as this would be a conflict of interest to those two nations to repair or strengthen the breach or conflict America has with Britain.

Thomas Paine says that independence is inevitable. What are the three ways he sees independence as being obtained and which option is the best way?

1. the legal voice of those in Congress 2. Military Power 3 Mob The legal voice is the best way to approach this-don't wait for the sad events that could come out of the other two less desirable options.

When was Common Sense published?

1776-Common Sense was the FIRST Pamphlet to advocate for American Independence Only 80 pages long

What does Paine suggest that America build?

A Navy

How does Paine describe the natural state of man?

All People are born equal

What does Paine think of government?

It is a necessary Evil

Thomas Paine

Authored two of the most influencial pamphlets at the start of the American Revolution.

Why does Paine stress that revolution will eventually occur? How does he substantiate this claim?

By demonstrating that a separation between the American colonies and the British Empire was inevitable, Paine hopes to make people more accustomed to the impossible idea of a free America. If Paine can convince his audience that America must eventually separate, the feasibility of the idea is no longer in doubt, and the colonists will instead have to consider when the separation will occur. Paine substantiates his claim with references to the present state of affairs, which he takes as evidence that the relationship between America and Britain cannot continue unchanged. It is better for change to happen when the colonies are small and more united.

Why was Common Sense so important?

Common Sense is credited as playing a crucial role in convincing colonists to take up arms against England

Where did Thomas Paine come from?

England

2. How could Thomas Paine's early life be described?

He failed at nearly everything he tried

Why did Thomas Paine use simple, straightforward language in his writings?

He wanted to ensure that the common people would understand his argument.

How does Paine address the concern that America is too small to defeat the British?

In Paine's day, many people could not fathom the possibility of a group of colonies successfully taking on the world's strongest empire, but Paine tries to show that America's small size is not a disadvantage. To do this, Paine adopts a twofold strategy. First, Paine argues that the colonies are not actually that small, and lays out in detail how the colonies could build a Navy equivalent to the feared British Navy. Second, Paine argues that to the extent that the colonies are small, it is an advantage rather than a liability, as a smaller group of colonies will be more unified in their ts struggle for freedom. 3

Tyranny

Oppressive Power which according to Thomas Paine is not easily conquered

How is Paine's view of government connected to his arguments for revolution?

Paine sees government as inherently bad, and does not see government as divinely ordained or otherwise intrinsically valuable. According to Paine, governments can only be measured by their effectiveness, as measured by their ability to improve society without being tyrannical. Paine does not believe that anyone has a right to govern others, which means he thinks that the king should no longer rule the colonies. Paine's view of government makes the revolutionary movement much more palatable by rejecting the presumption that the king has some legitimate and preexisting authority over the colonies. He says the only question that really matters is whether the colonists' living conditions would be better if they governed themselves, rather than being governed by the Crown.

Which of the following reasons does Paine NOT cite when he argues that the colonies must free themselves from British rule?

Reconciliation would result in a renewed war with French-influenced, American- Indian tribes

What kind of government does Paine propose?

Representative government that gives equal weight to each colony

What was the final straw that drove Thomas Paine to write Common Sense

THE KINGS SPEECH-the Kings Speech was the final "finish villany" . it was untruthful and tried to spark fear in the colonies. It was against the common good and against mankind. Brutality and tyranny resonated throughout the Kinds Speech.

What is the American Crisis?

The American Crisis is a pamphlet series by eighteenth century Enlightenment philosopher and author, Thomas Paine, originally published from 1776 to 1783 during the American Revolution. Often known as, The American Crisis or simply, The Crisis, there are 16 pamphlets in total. 80 pages

Towards the end of Common Sense which group did Thomas Paine address and admonish at the same time

The Quakers-the Quakers were an ultra religious group of settlers who were against breaking away from Britain and followed Britain blindly in efforts to avoid conflict and they were against taking up arms. Thomas Paine saw them as hypocritical in their stance given that they were religious yet were following a King which is contrary to the Bible and God's teachings. He felt it was very wrong to mix religion with politics and approach such an issue with religion.

Why does Paine think America's small size is an advantage in the struggle for independence?

The colonies are more unified.

Why did Thomas Paine insist that now was the best time for independence?

The colonies were still small and united. The bigger the colonies got the harder it would be to push for independence. Trade/business becomes the consequence of larger populations and people become more occupied with trade instead of military defense or patriotism. The more man has to lose financially they less they are willing to venture into an unknown.

Even if a king gains legitimate power, why does Paine think that king's children should not automatically attain the same position?

They are unfit to rule, they are stupid, they have not been chosen by the people

What was the overall thesis of Common Sense (main idea)?

Thomas Paine originally hid his name from the publication. The colonies needed Independence NOT improved representation from the British government. Rulers should be chosen by the people and not hereditary. Idea of monarchy is ridiculous.

What does Paine consider a great sin committed by the Ancient Jews?

Wanting a King

What is hereditary succession?

When the throne gets handed down to the heirs/next in line

What is RECONCILIATION?

the term Paine uses for the idea that America should resolve its differences with Britain and return to her empire